Journey

Designs On— Birth

By Altay Sendil

Mystical interpretations of the Bible maintain that the Good Book maps human existence from start to finish. Perhaps. Somewhat more modestly, the modern microchip captures an enormous amount of information and concentrates it in a tiny space. (Obligatory clap.) Somewhere between the two, by comparison, Charles Joseph Minard created what’s broadly regarded as the best statistical graphic ever drawn, depicting losses suffered by Napoleon’s army in the Russian campaign of 1812. He layered complex amounts of information onto a single visual plane. (Thunderous applause.)

What if we could do the same with the process of pregnancy: identify the key moments along the journey; the feelings; the vicissitudes (highs and lows); the key players at pivotal moments; and all the predictable junctures? Could be cool … and far better advised than invading Russia before winter.